How should I take doxycycline?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on the prescription label and any medication guides if provided. Never take a larger or smaller amount than the prescribed dose.

Take the dose with plenty of water to avoid throat problems or issues with swallowing. 

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.

Discard any unused medicine after the expiration date has expired.

Food or no food?

Different doxycycline brands may have different instructions about taking the medication with or without food. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. For some guidance:

• Oracea brand should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal 
• If the directions state to take doxycycline either with or without food, taking it with food or milk can help improve upset stomach

For the delayed-release formulation:

• You may open the capsule or crush the tablet and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of cold or room-temperature applesauce if you have difficulty swallowing.
• When you open the capsule, please be careful not to lose any pellets when transferring the content.
• Swallow the mixture right away without chewing 
• Do not save the mixture for later use
• Drink a full glass of water (8 oz) immediately after

Do not crush, cut, break, chew, or open the delayed-release capsule or tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Follow your doctor’s instructions if you need to split the regular doxycycline tablet to get the correct dose. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to split the tablet.  

If you are using the liquid form of doxycycline for you or your child, use an oral syringe or medicine cup for the most accurate dosing. Do not use household items such as kitchen spoons. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring device if you don’t have one. Shake the bottle of liquid medicine well before each use.

Do not use this medicine for more than 9 months if you use it for rosacea.

Different doxycycline brands are not interchangeable, meaning you should only use the brand that your doctor prescribes for you. Other brands may not work the same way.

If you or your child take this medicine for malaria prevention:

• Use protective clothing, insect/mosquito repellents, and use mosquito net around your bed to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping
• Start the medication 1 or 2 days before entering the area where malaria is a concern
• Continue taking the medicine every day during the entire trip
• Keep taking it for at least 4 weeks after leaving the area of possible malaria infection

Finish the whole course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Do not stop taking this medication unless you experience severe adverse effects. In that case, you should seek medical care and inform your doctor immediately. Skipping doses of antibiotics can increase your risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.

Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the amount or take more than prescribed to make up for the missed dose. Let your doctor know immediately if you have missed more than one dose or are unsure about what to do.

Storage: Keep the medication in its original container; keep it tightly closed, out of reach of children, pets, and other people. Like any other prescription medication, doxycycline should not be shared with anyone. Many people store their medications in the bathroom; this is not recommended due to moisture and heat.

Unused medicine: Like other prescription medications, do not consume doxycycline after the expiration date. Taking expired doxycycline can cause kidney damage. This prescription drug is intended for your use only. Unneeded medicines should be disposed of appropriately to prevent children, pets, and other people from getting to them. Your local pharmacy can provide information about medication drug take-back programs. You can also learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible information. If you have more questions or concerns about doxycycline, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that this information applies to you or your family member. 

Discounted prices for Doxycycline hyclate
 start at $13.28.

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